Experiencing God's Presence #151

Experiencing God's Presence #151

They raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:13

Solomon had spent years—and quite a bit of Israel’s human and material resources—to build the Temple. Now the day of dedication had come. The priests brought the Ark into the Holy Place, but God’s Presence didn’t manifest itself. The musicians began to play, but the Presence didn’t manifest itself. The people raised their voices in praise, proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness and love. Then the Presence filled the Temple. A visible, tangible cloud of glory became so thick that the priests couldn’t even perform their duties. God responded to the worship of people hungry to encounter Him in His dwelling place.

That’s always the way it is. God doesn’t show up simply because of our rituals or behaviors, even when those rituals and behaviors are good. He shows up in response to heart attitudes, especially those that are expressed. Just as we’re drawn to love, so is God. He comes close to those who love Him, hunger for Him, and say so.

We, the living temple of God in this age, are also inhabited by the cloud of glory when we worship Him from the heart, especially when we worship Him for His goodness and love. We may try to provoke His Presence through disciplines and postures and procedures, but even when those efforts are good, they alone do not draw Him. He is always present with us, but His Presence manifests itself most often when our hearts are turned toward Him in praise—and even more when we express that praise outwardly. When we create an environment appropriate to who He is, He fills it.

Lord, You are so good! Your faithful love endures forever! And I don’t tell you nearly enough. May my mouth continually be filled with words that fit who You are, and may my life be filled with Your cloud of glory.